“We Are Not Going To Have The UK Used As A Backdoor To Undermine SAG,” Says British Equity Boss On Eve Of London Rally

deadline.com:

EXCLUSIVE: “We are not going to have the UK used as a backdoor to undermine SAG-AFTRA’s dispute,” the leader of UK actors union Equity has declared.

Speaking exclusively to Deadline prior to Equity’s first rallies in support of the U.S. actors’ cause, Paul Fleming denied that the labor action which has just entered its second week across the pond will be a boon for his members.

Much of the talk internationally has centered on whether more international actors will be able to get work while U.S. talent down tools and some U.S.-commissioned shows filming in the UK such as House of the Dragon have been allowed to continue.

But Equity has said, for example, that it will unequivocally support SAG’s refusal to isssue new Global Rule One addenda during the strike and, while refusing to comment on specific shows, Fleming pointed out that “access to American talent drying up” impacts the entire global industry. “We will use every means possible and legal to support [the strike],” he added. “We’re not going to have the UK used as a backdoor to undermine their dispute.” Since the strike was called, Fleming said he has had a “chaotic, complex” time helping his 50,000-strong member base understand the ramifications on their projects, although the union issued clear guidance on the first evening of the dispute.